Steve Kerr was honest before the season started, noting that the Warriors would probably be better off a month or two after the start of the season than on the opening night.
Kerr was lowering expectations for a team that spent the last season out of the spotlight with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson injured. He wanted to make it clear that while many were excited about the Warriors’ return to the center of the stage, they were far from being a finished product.
In addition, consecutive losses to the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks have had all NBA prognosticators from Bay to Bangor, Maine, proclaiming the Warriors as a Western Conference doormat.
But, true to Kerr’s prediction, almost a month and 12 games later, the Warriors are finding this out quickly.
The last step in the Golden State dynasty restart project came on Wednesday night, when the Warriors defeated the San Antonio Spurs at the Chase Center by 121-99, just two nights after they erased a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.
“I think it was our best game,” Kerr told reporters after the victory over Spurs. “Our best two-way basketball game that we played all year round. Our defense was excellent, we put a lot of pressure on them, we remain very solid, we recover well. So at the other end, when you are forcing a failure in the attack it becomes very easier. “
Since the two consecutive losses to open the season, the Warriors’ defense has steadily improved, which has been a key factor in the 8-4 stretch.
“The first games, I don’t even count them,” said Kerr. “We were not ready and we were a mess. Since then, our defense has improved. We still have a lot of work to do, but tonight I thought it was our best overall effort of the year.”
With 8-6, the Warriors are now fifth in the Western Conference and have played the NBA’s second toughest schedule so far, behind the Memphis Grizzlies.
With each passing game, the Warriors discover the team they should be. Curry and Draymond Green are learning to play with a new support cast. The sentiment process led to some unpleasant moments, but a light started to click for the Warriors, who beat the Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers at the start.
Beginning center James Wiseman had a career night in the victory over Spurs and was able to respond in subpar matches. After two rotten games to open the season, Andrew Wiggins is the image of consistency. Kelly Oubre Jr. finally seems to be coming out of a terrible crash, scoring 16 points from a 4-in-11 shot in the victory over Spurs.
RELATED: Wiggins Silencing All Doubtful Warriors
The Warriors are in a good position 14 games in the 72 game season. They have had difficult times to watch, but have found their balance and are in a good position to become a real threat at the Western Conference in the next 58 games.
Although the victory over the Lakers signaled that the Warriors could beat anyone, it was the defeat on Wednesday night over Spurs that showed Curry that the Warriors are growing.
“Tonight was a sign of maturity,” said Curry after the victory. “Obviously we didn’t play well in the first half of the LA game. Playing well in the second half and then bringing that momentum into tonight’s game – we always talk about good teams can show that from time to time, but when you’re working to be a great team, you have sustained excellence on both sides of the track. That was it tonight. “
The Warriors are discovering who they are and gaining confidence with each passing game. Imagine what they can become in the next 58 games.
Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast